Video Asylum

Posted by Rich on May 28, 1999 at 00:08:38:

In Reply to: Pioneer Elite DV-09 or Denon DVD-5000? posted by TomD on May 27, 1999 at 08:10:23:

In my opinion, it has a sharper picture, greater picture control capability, digitally outputs a 24/96K signal, has better looks (the Denon looks like a tank to me) and was far, far less expensive. I bought a new unit from Canada and paid $1400 shipped.

That said, unless you have money to burn, or you have a large CRT front projection setup, I wouldn't advise spending that amount of money on a DVD player. There are plenty of players (Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, etc) that I would be very happy watching on either a RPT or direct view set. I've AB'd a number of popularly priced players on a 45" RPT and 27" direct view. In my opinion, differences are very subtle on the smaller screens, to the point of not feeling certain that they even exist.

One last point on the DV-09. It might be too resolving for you. Watching this player makes it quite obvious when there are problems with particular DVDs, or problems with the original film, mastering, etc. I love it, but it is possible that you might actually prefer a less resolving player. With the DV-09 on a large screen, shit becomes SHIT!!!!!